Luca Guadagnino To Direct New ‘American Psycho’ Movie

The ‘Suspiria’ and ‘Call Me by Your Name’ director has Scott Z. Burns working on a fresh movie script based on the controversial Bret Easton Ellis book.

(Left) Director Luca Guadagnino attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Amazon MGM Studios’ 'Challengers' at Regency Village Theatre on April 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Amazon MGM Studios. (Right) Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman in 'American Psycho.' Photo: Lionsgate Films.

Preview:

‘Challengers’ director Luca Guadagnino is aboard a new adaptation of ‘American Psycho.’
‘The Bourne Ultimatum’s Scott Z. Burns is writing the script.
Christian Bale starred in the 2002 adaptation.

While he has brought us several outstanding original movies (most recently the successful ‘Challengers,’) Italian director Luca Guadagnino has also tried his hand at adapting novels or remaking classic films with a new spin.

And while the newly-announced plan to tackle a fresh take on Bret Easton Ellis’ novel ‘American Psycho’ could fall into both categories, it sounds, according to Deadline as though Guadagnino is aiming to take a new crack at the book rather than going the remake route.

American Psycho

"I think my mask of sanity is about to slip."

R1 hr 42 minApr 14th, 2000

Showtimes & Tickets

Watch American Psycho Online

What’s the story of ‘American Psycho’?

Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman in 'American Psycho.' Photo: Lionsgate Films.

Ellis’ novel, which was published back in 1991, ‘American Psycho’ is set during the Wall Street boom of the late 1980s.

It follows wealthy young investment banker Patrick Bateman. In his mid-20s when the story begins, Bateman narrates his everyday activities, from his grooming routine, his recreational life among the Wall Street elite of New York… and his forays into murder by night.

Because, as the title suggests, Bateman is a serial killer, one who has been offing rivals, colleagues and women, his murder spree becoming increasingly brutal and sadistic.

The book was a sensation in its day but fueled huge debate over its grisly violence and misogynistic attitudes –– even with a satirical bent.

Co-writer/director Mary Harron adapted the book in 2000 with Christian Bale as Bateman, which became something of a divisive cult hit itself. A sequel, ‘American Psycho II: All American Girl’ was quickly pumped out featuring none of the same creative team but couldn’t match the impact.

Who else is working on the new ‘American Psycho’?

Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman in 'American Psycho.' Photo: Lionsgate Films.

With Lionsgate long wanting to take a new stab at adapting the novel, it also has Sam Pressman, the son of Edward R. Pressman, producer of the original film, aboard.

Scott Z. Burns, who wrote the likes of ‘Contagion,’ ‘Side Effects,’ and ‘The Bourne Ultimatum’ (and most recently created Apple TV+ series ‘Extrapolations,’) is writing the script.

What other movies does Guadagnino have on the way?

Director Luca Guadagnino on the set of 'Challengers', a Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures film. Credit: Niko Tavernise / Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures. © 2023 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The director’s next film to be released, ‘Queer’ (adapted from the William S. Burroughs novel), stars Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey, and will be in theaters on December 13th after receiving plenty of plaudits on the festival circuit.

The prolific Guadagnino has also recently worked on ‘After the Hunt,’ which stars Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield, and is in post-production.

When would the new ‘American Psycho’ movie be on screens?

With no casting or shoot date in place yet, we’re going to have to wait to find out when this one will be released.

(L to R) Director Luca Guadagnino and producer Amy Pascal attend the Los Angeles Premiere of Amazon MGM Studios’ 'Challengers' at Regency Village Theatre on April 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Amazon MGM Studios.